Pune: Two years ago, during a bullock cart race in Bhosari, MLA Nitesh Rane announced, "The year Devendra Fadnavis becomes Chief Minister again, I will personally sponsor a Mercedes car as the first prize for the race organized by MLA Mahesh Landge."

With Fadnavis now reinstated as Chief Minister and the Bhosari fair nearing, bullock cart owners and enthusiasts eagerly await to see if Rane will honor his promise.

Background of the Ban and its Reversal

Bullock cart racing, a traditional sport in Maharashtra, faced a ban due to legal challenges. Determined to preserve this cultural heritage, bullock cart owners and enthusiasts, led by MLA Mahesh Landge, petitioned the Supreme Court.

Their efforts bore fruit when the court permanently lifted the ban a year ago. The state government supported this campaign by presenting a “Running Ability of Bulls Report,” which provided scientific backing for the sport's safety.

MLA Landge credited former Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for initiating state-level efforts in 2017 to restart the races, stating that Fadnavis had adopted a proactive and positive stance on the issue.

The Bhosari Bullock Cart Race and Nitesh Rane’s Declaration

Last year, MLA Mahesh Landge organized a grand bullock cart race in Bhosari, which attracted widespread participation.

During the event, MLA Nitesh Rane attended as a guest and made a public declaration, promising a Mercedes car as the first prize in a future race organized by Landge, provided Devendra Fadnavis became Chief Minister again.

Current Developments and Rising Anticipation

With the Mahayuti alliance’s landslide victory in the recent assembly elections and Devendra Fadnavis taking oath as Chief Minister, attention has turned to Rane’s promise.

A video of his announcement has resurfaced and is circulating widely on social media, fueling discussions among bullock cart race enthusiasts and participants.

The upcoming Bhosari fair, where the bullock cart race is expected to take place, has heightened anticipation. Questions linger: Will MLA Nitesh Rane fulfill his promise? And if so, who will drive away with the Mercedes prize?